Steamer for Dim Sum Rice Buns

A steamer for Dim Sum rice buns is the central appliance in any Chinese restaurant or dim sum-specialised establishment where dim sum service is the main offering. Dim sum is a traditional Chinese dining practice where small portions of dumplings, buns and other steamed and fried products are served in bamboo baskets — a professional steamer ensures consistent quality for all portions simultaneously in high-volume service.

Types of dim sum steamers

Professional dim sum steamers are available in various configurations. Multi-tier electric steamer — several bamboo basket shelves above a central water basin with an electric heating element; the most common model; precise temperature control. Gas steamer — a gas burner beneath a large water container; faster steam generation; higher power for large capacity. Restaurant steam table system — a high-capacity steam generator for multiple steaming tables or sections; suitable for high-volume dim sum restaurants. Bamboo baskets — traditional bamboo or bamboo-style stainless steel baskets for serving and steaming in one container. Also explore Wok Cooking Stations.

Technical parameters

The choice of dim sum steamer parameters depends on the restaurant’s capacity and menu range. Quantity — 4, 6, 8 or more bamboo basket shelves; higher capacity for high-volume service. Water basin volume — a larger basin means longer operation without refilling; important for long shifts. Electric power — 2–8 kW depending on steam generation power. Temperature control — thermostat regulation between 80–100°C for the steam zone. Water supply — some models feature automatic water supply; others require manual refilling. Also explore Japanese Teppanyaki Hot Plates.

List of dim sum products for steaming

A professional dim sum steamer is suitable for a wide range of products. Baozi (rice buns) — stuffed steamed buns with pork, vegetables or sweet fillings; the most commonly prepared dim sum product. Har gow (shrimp dumplings) — a translucent rice flour wrapper with shrimp; a classic dim sum; sensitive to overcooking. Siu mai (open-top dumplings) — overfilled dumplings with pork or seafood; cooks faster. Cheung fun (rice noodle rolls) — thin rice pasta with filling; careful steaming temperature required. Lo mai gai (sticky rice in banana leaf) — rice with various fillings, wrapped in banana or lotus leaf. BHS advises on dim sum equipment selection.

Using and maintaining bamboo baskets

Bamboo baskets are traditional dim sum serving containers, and their maintenance affects product quality. Preparing new bamboo — soak in water for 20–30 minutes before first use; prevents sticking and resin flavour. Steaming paper — thin steam-permeable paper or cabbage leaf in the basket; prevents dumplings from sticking. Drying after use — bamboo must be completely dried; moisture causes mould; insufficiently dried bamboo deteriorates. Cleaning — regular cleaning with hot water; no greasy detergents. Stainless steel baskets — longer lifespan and hygienic; loses some of the traditional bamboo aroma.

HoReCa usage scenarios

Chinese restaurant — a dim sum steamer with 6–8 bamboo basket shelves; preparing 30–50 dim sum portions simultaneously during peak service. Pan-Asian restaurant — a dim sum steamer in one corner of the kitchen alongside a wok station; equipment for the Asian cuisine section. Dim sum-specialised café — a high-capacity steam generator for multiple steaming sections; dim sum as the main offering. Explore the range of Ethnic Cuisine Equipment.

Frequently asked questions

Are bamboo baskets suitable for use in a stainless steel steamer? Yes — bamboo baskets work above any steam source; the internal diameter of the steamer’s baskets is important. Explore Wok Cooking Stations.

Can a dim sum steamer also be used for steaming other products? Yes — for vegetables, fish and other steamed dishes; a versatile steaming tool for broader kitchen use. Also explore Ethnic Cuisine Equipment.

Why choose BHS?

BHS – Baltic HoReCa Solutions supplies professional equipment for restaurants, cafés, hotels and canteens: more than 20,000 products from many manufacturers. Our specialists help you choose the right equipment and spare parts for your kitchen or bar.

Delivery

We deliver across the European Union. Delivery time and cost depend on the order volume and destination — contact the BHS team for an exact price and lead time.